CRAWFORD COUNTY, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As spring fieldwork ramps up, the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District is urging motorists to exercise patience on roadways. With farm equipment becoming more prevalent, drivers should allow extra time for travel and give agricultural vehicles plenty of space.

“You’ll start to see equipment moving around in the fields and start to see a lot of activity out there,” said Mike during a recent Community Spotlight interview. “I would encourage you, you know, patience on the roadways as you get as these, you know, farmers get out and about. The equipment is pretty large.”

Mike noted that some equipment has already been spotted on local roads and emphasized the importance of giving farmers room to operate safely. “They’re usually they’re not going very far,” he explained, suggesting drivers either wait or find an alternative route.

Mike reminded residents that stormwater drains are unfiltered and lead directly to local streams and creeks. He advised against dumping oil, paint, or other chemicals down these drains and encouraged proper disposal methods. The district can provide guidance on handling such materials.

Furthermore, homeowners using lawn treatments like fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides were urged to follow product labels carefully and be mindful of nearby storm drains and upcoming rain events to prevent runoff into waterways.

The Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District announced a new two-year enrollment period for the H2Ohio program, the governor’s water quality initiative, covering the 2026 and 2027 crop years. Farmers interested in the program, including those currently enrolled, need to apply by August 15th.

The updated program includes incentives for basic nutrient management plans, manure incorporation and utilization, subsurface phosphorus placement, and overwintering cover crops, hay fields, and wheat for grain. Mike noted that the district believes the program changes are beneficial and encourages farmers to contact their office for more information or assistance with the application process.

For more information on any of these initiatives, visit crawfordswcd.org or call the Crawford Soil and Water Conservation District at 419-562-8280.